RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GRIEF AND SELF-ESTEEM AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between young adults' self-esteem and breakup grief. It examined if grieving following a breakup predicts self-esteem levels using Beck's cognitive theory. The Breakup Grief Scale (BGS) and State Self-Esteem Scale (SSES), which were administered to 264 university students between the ages of 18 and 25 using a correlational method, have both shown good internal consistency. The results revealed a strong negative correlation: grief was a major predictor of decreased self-esteem, and more grief was linked to lower self-esteem. Relationship status disparities were noted, but no gender differences were found. Overall, breakup grief was found to be a unique psychological risk factor, highlighting the necessity of grief-informed support in counseling and academic settings.